The airline I use most often has a policy which states, that for Golf Clubs, "One bag with clubs, shoes and balls is accepted per guest." It gets treated as a regular piece of checked luggage (the first one is free on this airline). I have an NPX 'Golf' bag, so I pack it with two clubs (with composite shafts to keep the weight down), two balls, and a pair of cheap flip-flops. Et voila: GOLF BAG.

I wheel it up to the counter with the 'GOLF' facing them and let the agent make assumptions. If they ask, it's 'Golf clubs and sporting equipment.' If they want to check, I'll gladly show them how it meets their definition. I haven't had that happen yet, but I'm ready for that argument. To top it all off, on my last trip I was investigating baggage insurance and learned about 'excess valuation'. It's something most airlines offer to cover loss above and beyond their usual compensation. It's meant for Louis Vuitton bags and such, but it's available for a small fee to anyone. The check-in agents on both departure and return had never heard of it, but on the way back they figured out how to charge me the $10 to cover up to $3000 in loss or damage.

Toby is right however, do not under any circumstances say the word 'surf,' even in compound words. Surfboards and windsurfers are usually charged out the wazoo. If they get into your stuff and ask about it, it is kiteBOARDing equipment. You know, "like waterskiing or wakeboarding without a boat." (Said airline also has an allowance for 'skis, snowboards and waterskis'.)

It also helps to check-in early (at or around the 2-3 hours required before departure these days) and make sure the bag isn't overweight. I take all the dense stuff in my carry-on(s) (which doesn't get weighed): wetsuit, bars, helmet, etc.

This advice isn't necessarily for Kamikuza specifically, but tips for anyone seeing as we haven't had a baggage discussion in a while.

Early check in yes, a good idea. Read also the airlines fine print for sporting equipment, some carriers "suggest" that if you'll have sporting equipment that you pre-register it .

jbdc wrote:

The airline I use most often has a policy which states, that for Golf Clubs, "One bag with clubs, shoes and balls is accepted per guest." It gets treated as a regular piece of checked luggage (the first one is free on this airline). I have an NPX 'Golf' bag, so I pack it with two clubs (with composite shafts to keep the weight down), two balls, and a pair of cheap flip-flops. Et voila: GOLF BAG.

I wheel it up to the counter with the 'GOLF' facing them and let the agent make assumptions. If they ask, it's 'Golf clubs and sporting equipment.' If they want to check, I'll gladly show them how it meets their definition. I haven't had that happen yet, but I'm ready for that argument. To top it all off, on my last trip I was investigating baggage insurance and learned about 'excess valuation'. It's something most airlines offer to cover loss above and beyond their usual compensation. It's meant for Louis Vuitton bags and such, but it's available for a small fee to anyone. The check-in agents on both departure and return had never heard of it, but on the way back they figured out how to charge me the $10 to cover up to $3000 in loss or damage.

Toby is right however, do not under any circumstances say the word 'surf,' even in compound words. Surfboards and windsurfers are usually charged out the wazoo. If they get into your stuff and ask about it, it is kiteBOARDing equipment. You know, "like waterskiing or wakeboarding without a boat." (Said airline also has an allowance for 'skis, snowboards and waterskis'.)

It also helps to check-in early (at or around the 2-3 hours required before departure these days) and make sure the bag isn't overweight. I take all the dense stuff in my carry-on(s) (which doesn't get weighed): wetsuit, bars, helmet, etc.

This advice isn't necessarily for Kamikuza specifically, but tips for anyone seeing as we haven't had a baggage discussion in a while.

We are flying on TAP and they charge 90 euros for kiteboards and you have to print off a form and sign it saying they are not responsible for any damage done to your boards. That is crazy! I understand for surf boards because they are so fragile but if my kiteboard is damaged while flying then it's their fault. Things like this make me so mad!!

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